Overview

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Direct client support (50%)
    • Serve as a housing navigation resource for shelter guests, focusing on those with complex needs, returning guests, or guests facing multiple barriers to housing
    • Conduct or assist with assessments, develop individualized housing plans, and support guests in applications for housing subsidies, obtaining documentation, and engaging in apartment searches
    • Provide targeted advocacy and referrals to medical, mental health, substance use, legal, and vocational services as needed
    • Maintain clear documentation of guest progress and service plans
  • Consultation with student case managers (30%)
    • Offer guidance to undergraduate student case managers, helping them problem-solve challenging cases and connect guests to appropriate services
    • Support coordinated case management efforts between both shelters
    • Participate in weekly case review meetings
  • Training and resource development (20%)
    • Contribute to and help lead training sessions for student case managers at the start of each season and during the year
    • Contribute to housing and resource guides and case management work flows
    • Foster partnerships with local agencies and service providers to expand available resources for guests

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Knowledge of Boston/Cambridge community resources, particularly in housing, healthcare (including mental health), and public benefits
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students and shelter guests

Preferred:

  • Experience in housing navigation, case management, or related fields
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches
  • Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, chronic mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
  • Experience in shelter or housing programs
  • Experience providing training or mentorship

This position works in partnership with undergraduate shelter leaders and case managers, requiring flexibility, patience, and a collaborative approach within a student-run environment.

As such, they must possess strong commitment to social justice, knowledge of community issues and partners, and ability to collaborate with young leaders to lead a high quality program.

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